Θ A JOURNEY ROUND THE Library OF A BIBLIOMANIAC: OR, CENTO OF NOTES AND REMINISCENCES CONCERNING RARE, CURIOUS, AND VALUABLE BOOKS. By WILLIAM DAVIS, Author of "The Olio of Bibliographical and Literary Anecdotes London: PRINTED FOR W. DAVIS, BOOKSELLER, At the Bedford Library, Southampton Row, Russell Square. PREFACE. THE following Work is neither a Satire like Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," nor a pure Voyage Imaginaire like that of our Flying Friend, Peter Wilkins; but a Journey, which, although short in its result, has been somewhat longer in the performance than might seem consonant to modern ideas of quick travelling; and, if it partake in no slight degree of the dust and dullness usually attendant on the Bibliomaniac's road, let us hope that the showers of Spring may have imparted some of their freshness to a few favoured spots, and rendered the account of this Journey, if not very entertaining, at least endurable from its presumed utility ;—and the Author's aim will be amply achieved, if what Warton says of Archbishop Parker's Psalter, be also said of this Journey, "that it may be deemed a fortunate acquisition to those capricious Students who labour to collect a Library of Rarities.” "There is a kind of Physiognomy in the Titles of Books no less than in the Faces of Men, by which a skilful observer will as well know what to expect from the one as the other." Butler's Remains. Baths of Titus (Antient Paintings of the) copied by Carloni 94 Behnes' (W.) Engraving of Francis the First's Portrait... 57 Blond (Le) et La Chau, Cabinet d'Orleans Biblia Sacra, Latiné Vulgata, Mogunt 1450 Polyglotta. Compluti 1514, &c......... 85 3 9 93 34 70 |